Rules for the Close-Up Magician Pt. 10

Please note that each element of “Bert Allerton’s Rules for the Close-Up Magician“ has been reprinted with the express written consent of Magic Inc. (no part may be re-printed in other media without consent of Magic Inc.)

We continue with our last point in the series…“To be a really successful close-up magician you must:”10. And last, but basically a first requirement, be a technician, as near to a perfectionist as possible. Learn to do all your moves automatically and effortlessly, so you can project you personality and do a real selling job.

If you can’t do ‘the work’ then you can’t do your job – period. Nothing should ever look difficult unless you’re making it look difficult intentionally. The “selling job” he’s referring to is not getting them to give you money per se. It’s getting people to invest in YOU.

When people witness a performance they have to buy into it. Imagine a bar where a band is playing. It’s unlikely that anyone says to their self, “Great I love music this will be awesome!” Typically people listen a bit first, waiting to see if the band is any good. They want to know there’s not going to be terrible vocals or sour notes. Once they know the band is good they let down their guard and ‘buy into’ the experience.

The same is true in magic – one needs to master their act if people are ever going to fully give themselves over to the experience. When they do the act goes from “watching a few tricks” to a suspension of disbelief and investment into the experience.

That’s when the real magic takes place.

I hope this inspires you in your craft, art, hobby or passion. I believe there’s something here for everyone in any occupation. I would even go so far to say in every personal relationship as well. Ultimately our performances are a form of relationship.